Pioneer Green Energy has sent a letter to State Senator Phil Williams regarding the company’s views on Senate Bill 12, also known as the “Alabama Wind Energy Conservation Systems Act.”

Senate Bill 12 would give local authorities some say so regarding wind turbine projects. It would also give the Alabama Department of Environmental Management authority to adopt rules regulating the location, design, installation and operation of wind energy conversion systems.

It would also require the removal of wind energy conversion systems that have been abandoned or that are not kept in proper working order.

In the letter to Senator Williams from Patrick Buckley, Development Manager for Pioneer Green Energy, the company is not opposed to regulating wind energy development in Alabama.

However, he is concerned that the legislation would not be effective in regulating wind energy projects and encouraging a new and thriving industry in Alabama.

He adds that unless substantial changes are made, the bill will ensure that very little or no wind energy projects will be constructed in the state.

The letter goes on to list the specific provisions of the bill that Pioneer Green believes are unreasonable.

Senator Williams has also received a letter from Pioneer Green Energy President Andrew Bowman listing some changes that could be made that would result in the company supporting Senate Bill 12.

You can read both letters in their entirety below

Pioneer Green Energy Response to SB12 (signed copy)

Pioneer Letter re SB12 02.24.14